LONDON, — British defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat has demonstrated a mobile air-defence system based on its HMT 400 vehicle, equipped with the Flexible Mission Platform (FMP) turret developed by US-based defence technology company Moog. The system combines a rotary machine gun and laser-guided rockets for short-range air defence and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) missions.
The configuration was presented recently, including in displays associated with Land Forces 2026 in Perth, Australia.
Dual-Weapon System Combines Machine Gun and Guided Rockets
The Moog FMP turret is equipped with two weapon systems:
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M134 rotary machine gun: A six-barrel, 7.62 mm weapon with a reported effective engagement range of approximately 1 kilometre (0.6 miles).
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M261 rocket launcher: A 19-tube launcher loaded with Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) laser-guided rockets, with a reported engagement range of up to 6 kilometres (3.7 miles).
Developed by BAE Systems, the APKWS II guidance kit converts compatible unguided 70 mm Hydra 70 rockets into precision-guided munitions using laser guidance while retaining the existing rocket motor and warhead. Actual engagement range depends on launch conditions and configuration.
HMT 400 Provides Mobility and Payload Capacity
The HMT 400 is Supacat's 4×4 High Mobility Transporter, known as the Jackal in British Army service. It was developed for demanding military missions, including reconnaissance, rapid assault and convoy protection.
The vehicle features variable-height air suspension to support operations across difficult terrain. Its standard 4×4 configuration has a payload capacity of approximately 2,500 kg, a listed top speed of 120 km/h and a range of around 800 km.
The HMT platform has been in service for more than two decades and is used by several countries. Its modular, open architecture supports the integration of different weapons, sensors and mission equipment.
Moog FMP Supports Modular Weapon Integration
Moog's FMP is designed to integrate different weapons and sensors onto land vehicles, trailers, containers and surface ships. The platform weighs approximately 350 kg without launchers, provides continuous 360-degree traverse with an optional slip ring and has a typical elevation range of −10 to +30 degrees.
Available options include stabilisation for firing on the move and weapon stores management. Its modular design allows weapon and sensor configurations to be adapted to specific operational requirements.
Supacat and Moog have also explored other HMT-based air-defence configurations, including concepts using ASRAAM missiles on related HMT variants.
Mobile Air Defence and Counter-Drone Role
The new configuration combines machine-gun fire for closer engagements with laser-guided rockets for targets at greater distances. Its wheeled chassis and off-road mobility could allow ground forces to deploy the system alongside mobile units.
The demonstration highlights the potential to add air-defence capabilities to an existing light tactical vehicle through modular weapon integration. However, it does not confirm a production order or entry into operational service.
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